Donnie Ray Richardson

A Funeral Service to honor the life of Donnie Ray Richardson, 42, of Clinton, Oklahoma, will be scheduled upon his return to Oklahoma. Services will be held at Bethany Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Morland officiating and will be conducted under the care of Lee Hometown Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.

Donnie Ray Richardson was born on October 29, 1983, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Gertie Richardson and passed away on August 17, 2024, in Highland, California. Raised in Clinton, Donnie was a proud Red Tornado graduate of the Class of 2001. His high school years were marked by remarkable achievements—he excelled in wrestling, marching band, and honor choir, was a two-time state champion with the football team, and graduated in the top 5 percent of his class.

For over 15 years, Donnie contributed his talents and dedication to the casino in Clinton. His passion extended beyond his professional life; he was deeply committed to music. Donnie's love for singing was evident in his participation in the church choir, where he performed gospel and R&B, and he often serenaded his mother and grandmother. He was also a gifted songwriter with his own album and music video to his name.

Donnie is preceded in death by his mother, Gertie Mae Richardson; his grandmother, Gurtrude Hill; his uncle, Harry Joe Hill; his aunts, Ida Marie Miles and Willie Allen; and his cousins, Harry Joe Hill Jr., Alicia Allen, and Tawanna Hill.

He is survived by his Aunt Marilyn Hester and her husband Johnny of Clinton; Aunt Dorita Breaux of Clinton; his sons, Ian and Daniel Richardson of Clinton; his daughter, Alona Richardson of Clinton; his adopted siblings, Terrence Simmons, Ann Gould and her sons Jesse King and Jordan Amaya, all of Clinton; and a host of other cousins, family, and friends.

Donnie Ray Richardson’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him for his exceptional spirit, dedication to his family, and his profound love for music. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who had the honor of being part of his life.